German police said Thursday they had arrested a 33-year-old Ukrainian national on suspicion of "taking footage of a Bavarian arms manufacturer in preparation for acts of sabotage".
The unidentified man was arrested on August 2 in Thuringia state and is suspected of "acting as a so-called 'low-level agent' on behalf of an intelligence service of a foreign power", police in Bavaria said in a statement.
They said that as part of his activities, he is believed to have taken images of the company in "June of this year and offered them to his handlers".
He has been remanded in custody while he awaits trial.
Read more 'Disposable spies': Poland records unprecedented number of Russian espionage cases
The investigation is being carried out under the auspices of a new national centre to coordinate defences against "hybrid attacks" which was opened in June.
The centre is part of Germany's response to what officials say is a growing threat of sabotage, espionage and disinformation campaigns, particularly from Russia.
On Wednesday, an explosives-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig-Halle airport, in what Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt called a "hybrid attack scenario" that spells "a new level of danger".
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
NPP supporters gather at Supreme Court for 'Democracy Under Attack' protest
Russian strikes target Ukraine's Kharkiv and Sumy regions, killing at least six
Iran says Hormuz deal with Oman in final stage as Trump signals breakthrough
FIFA backs Infantino but apologises over World Cup investment plan
Fire destroys part of late Murtala Mohammed’s family house in Tamale
Oppong Nkrumah demands full disclosure of BoG financing for gold purchase progra...
"Cancel proposed royal visit of Akuapem chief to Dodowa" — Shai youth appeal
Police probe dynamite explosion at tailings site in Aboso
Rent Control Commission, GTA close two Koforidua hostels over poor sanitation
IMF urges BoG to end quasi-fiscal activities after GH¢22bn losses from gold prog...
